STATEMENT BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DEMOCRATIC LAWYERS (NADEL) IN SUPPORT OF PEACE AND THE ELECTORAL PROCESS IN VENEZUELA

East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa, 17 march 2018.- Due to the interference and aggressions on the Government and the Bolivarian People of Venezuela, by the imperialist forces that aim to prevent the achievement of the revolutionary project that the Venezuelan people have gain.

Understanding that blockades and sanctions are crimes against humanity.

Regarding the last three electoral processes that ratify the democratic line of the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Taking into consideration the global correlation of forces and the importance of the conformation of the multicentric and pluripolar world, as fundamental principles of important multilaterals organizations such as NAM and BRICS.

Aware of the importance of the regional integrations, we applaud and defend the political plurality and diversity.

The National Association of Democratic Lawyers declares the following:

• We reject the interference by the imperial forces in the internal affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.• We reject the economic-financial blockade imposed by the Government of the United States and its allies, which directly affects the Venezuelan population.• We welcome the call for presidential, state lawmakers and councilmen elections on next 20th march, which is the result of a political agreement with a sector of the Venezuelan opposition.• We recognize the proud and the struggle of the Venezuelan people and government to preserve their sovereignty and their constitutional order.• We commit ourselves to continue defending the truth, peace and sovereignty of Venezuela, expanding the bonds of friendship, solidarity and revolutionary commitment with the Venezuelan people.

We are convinced that Venezuela will manage to overcome the problems that are enduring by means of dialogue and respect for the Constitution.

Today, as we hold the Elective Annual General Meeting and National Conference by the theme "The role of the progressive lawyers in deepening constitutional democracy", we as a voluntary organisation of lawyers supporting disadvantaged people.